Jackson State University emblem

Jackson State University

Jackson, United States Founded 1877 World Rank #1865

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: JSU
Founded: 1877
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1865
Rank in United States: #248
Motto: Challenging Minds. Changing Lives.
Colours: Royal blue and white
Mascot: Bengal the Tiger
Daily life at Jackson State University
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Founded in 1877, the Jackson State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Jackson (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Mississippi.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Jackson State University (JSU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Jackson State University (JSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 146-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

JSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Looking to reach Jackson State University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

Address: 1400 John R. Lynch Street
Postal Code: 39217
Phone: +1 (601) 979 2121
Fax: +1 (601) 979 6950
Social Media:

Academic Details

The figures below cover Jackson State University's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 4,600
Student Enrollment: 7
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (MIHL) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Jackson State University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.

Unit 6 items
  • College of Business
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Lifelong Learning
  • College of Public Service
  • College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Programs Offered

Jackson State University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

87 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 42 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Managerial Economics
Economics
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy

Showing 10 of 42.

Master's Degree 30 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Master's Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Landscape Architecture
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice

Showing 10 of 30.

Doctorate 12 programmes

Doctorate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Doctorate in Chemistry
Chemistry
Doctorate in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Landscape Architecture
Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Doctorate in Engineering, General
General Engineering
Doctorate in Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Forestry & Natural Resources
Doctorate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Doctorate in Public Health
Public Health

Showing 10 of 12.

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Ecology & Conservation
Postgraduate Certificate in Education, General
Education & Teaching

How to apply to Jackson State University

What applying to Jackson State University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Jackson State University's catalogue includes 87 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Jackson State University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Jackson State University's official website at www.jsums.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (601) 979 2121. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jackson State University

Quick answers to the most common questions about Jackson State University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.

How old is Jackson State University?

The institution opened in 1877 (approximately 149 years ago).

Where is Jackson State University located?

Jackson State University is located in Jackson, United States.

What is Jackson State University's control type?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at Jackson State University?

Student enrolment at Jackson State University is around 7,000-7,999.

What is Jackson State University's ranking?

Jackson State University holds rank #1865 globally and #248 in United States.

How is Jackson State University organised academically?

Jackson State University has 6 academic units.

Is Jackson State University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Where can I learn more about Jackson State University?

Jackson State University's official website is www.jsums.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Top universities in the United States differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Universities affiliated with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Jackson State University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Jackson State University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Industry advisory boards on Education & Teaching programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to Jackson State University publishes its industry partners.

Universities Compared with Jackson State University

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Jackson State University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

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